Directors require access to documents to perform their duties effectively. They must be familiar with the organization, including finances, programs, lines of authority, subsidiary organizations, strategic plan, and governing documents.

Governing practices and principles can seem awkward to new volunteers. While each person brings their passion and expertise, the duties of governance require a distinct skill set. Governance is influenced...

A well-functioning Board of Directors is essential for nonprofit organizations not only to meet legal requirements, but also to successfully achieve their goals. It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure...

Nonprofit and for-profit corporations are not natural persons, meaning that they have rights and responsibilities but cannot read, write, think, or execute for themselves; corporations need a human group or...

Board orientation is a core competency of the chief paid executive (executive director). The toolkit provides processes and examples to help in communicating the role and responsibilities of volunteer leaders.

The directors owe it a duty of loyalty. The duty of loyalty requires a director to act in the interest of the charity rather than in the personal interest of...

A cooperative is an autonomous association of people united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Most executives hope to work for the organization as long as they can be effective. When it comes to the time for transition, it is seldom the sole decision of the...

From the process of commitment to agenda design, there are ways to enhance governance and improve outcomes. Don’t let “we’ve always done it this way” be your mantra.

A strong, defined base of knowledge, skills, and practice provides a clear solution. The body of knowledge serves as the framework for an orderly approach to parliamentary procedure education, rather...

Each community association board is unique, and so are the needs of its respective communities. Whether you live in a townhouse, master-planned community, or a high-rise, one fact remains the...

Welcome to CAI. Whether you manage the association yourself or have the assistance of professional management, whether you’re on the board of a condominium or homeowner association or a cooperative,...

Rather than passively accept a future shaped by outside forces, nonprofit and local community leaders came together to define a vision and strategy for change. They set in motion Moving...

In 1999, CHF Canada published its first edition of A Guide to Replacement Reserve Planning. Since then, the environment for housing co-ops has undergone significant changes. Co-ops are older. Our...

Students who face housing insecurity are less likely to engage seriously with their college experience and less likely to complete their course of study. In a survey conducted last year...

Governance is the task of defining the goals and standards of an organization and ensuring that there are effective management and other structures that will enable the organization to achieve...

The purpose of this module is to provide a step-by-step guide for those seeking to start a new cooperative. This module is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and individuals who have...

Largely inspired by SIYB, the ILO’s global entrepreneurship and management training program for potential startups and existing small businesses, the ILO has developed a training package on cooperatives that is...

We know you already understand that your position requires support for the education and development of all members within your chapter, as understanding the latest trends and technologies, as well...

The costs associated with housing represent the largest expense for households. The increasing cost of housing is requiring more people to spend an increasingly larger portion of their income on...

The club is the heart of the Toastmasters program. It provides the environment and support members need to develop their communication and leadership skills. Club officers support the club and...

While many club officers will be content, and even enthusiastic, about their new responsibilities, others may feel uncertain and obligated. Attending the training and fulfilling their roles implies great commitment...

Having consulted with thousands of nonprofit organizations (associations, chambers, fraternities, and other nonprofit groups), I have compiled the articles that resonate with volunteer leaders.

The code of conduct guides a director in areas such as communication, staff liaison, and taking public positions.